PCB Assembly Technology

Course Description

Ever wonder how the electronics inside devices like smart home sensors, medical wearables, and robotics kits come to life? The answer lies in the printed circuit board (PCB) assembly process. In this hands-on, application-focused course, you'll explore how modern electronics are manufactured as components are placed, soldered, and inspected to create the products we rely on every day. Designed for anyone curious about how electronics are built, the course emphasizes practical understanding and real factory-floor processes, with no prior engineering experience required.

You'll learn how PCB assembly begins with solder paste printing and setup, where stencils and precise printer alignment establish the foundation for reliable solder joints. The course then examines component placement and reflow soldering, showing how high-speed pick-and-place machines position parts and how reflow ovens create strong electrical and mechanical connections. Finally, you'll explore inspection, testing, and rework, including visual inspection, automated optical inspection (AOI), and X-ray analysis, while gaining hands-on experience identifying and correcting common assembly defects.

 Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Describe the complete electronics assembly process from bare board to finished product.
• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles that enhance yield and reliability.
• Identify and troubleshoot common soldering and assembly defects.
• Interpret and apply IPC Class 2 workmanship and process standards.
• Analyze the role of surface-mount technology (SMT) processes in Industry 4.0 and modern factory automation.

 Topics Include

• Design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and process optimization
• Solder paste printing and setup, including stencil design, printer alignment, and squeegee pressure
• Reflow soldering processes
• Defect analysis and troubleshooting
• Inspection and testing methods
• SMT processes and Industry 4.0 concepts, including automated data collection, traceability, and closed-loop process control